Ohio State did what most expected: destroy a Purdue team whose only notable win was at Northwestern. They rolled up over 400 yards of offense in the first half, while holding the Boilermakers under 100 yards until very late in the game.

Still, that was not enough to advance. Missouri and Nebraska each posted more compelling victories and deserve to leap the Buckeyes. OSU is in no jeopardy of falling at the moment and will surely end up in the Top 10 if they win out. Until that happens, however, they will remain neighbors with the teens.

Trendspotting

Oregon travels all the way down the left coast to take on USC this weekend. Oddly, win or lose, the Ducks are likely to remain the highest ranked in the Pac 10. The next closest team is Stanford, whom Oregon routed only three weeks ago.

They may remain the top ranked team in the polls but a loss is likely to create a four-way tie in the conference with the Trojans lurking only one game back.

This poll brought to you by the number two

Ten of the 25 teams in this week’s poll either moved up or down by two places. So, consider this past week a minor shuffle.

Going down

Recent ‘going up’ candidate made it clear I have no idea what I am talking about. Promptly on the heels of its victory in Lincoln, the Longhorns laid an egg against the worst team in the Big 12. Way to go.